Intergluteal hemorrhoid pad

ABSTRACT

A hemorrhoid relief product that provides an intergluteal spacer for gentle separation of the gluteal cheeks, external support of hemmorhoidal tissue with a cradling effect on inflamed or prolapsed or related perianal tissues, while providing absorption. The product optionally includes adhesive to secure the device in place. The product may include a cavity for positioning over hemorrhoidal tissue to provide pressure adjustment, and may also include at least one nub for selectively applying and/or adjusting pressure to areas. The product may include a trapezoidal, or other, cross-section for easier fit, as well as a split end for adherence to multiple gluteal cheeks and anatomy in the relevant area.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application includes subject matter disclosed in and claimspriority to co-pending prior-filed U.S. Pat. No. 10,398,582 entitledINTERGLUTEAL HEMORRHIOD PAD, filed Jun. 3, 2015, describing inventionsmade by the present inventor, hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hemorrhoid relief devices. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an exterior interglutealpad positioned to adjust pressure(s) associated with internal andexternal hemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hemorrhoids, and varicose veins, create perianal discomfort in a largepopulation of people. Discomfort is caused by numerous issues associatedwith the varicosities, such as, swelling, prolapse of sensitive analtissue, drying of prolapsed tissue, localized trauma, chafing ofexternal hemorrhoids, sensitive prolapsed internal hemorrhoids,thrombosis, or a persistent bleeding/healing cycle. Pressures andrubbing in these areas can cause a feeling of discomfort, as well ascause trauma which can exacerbate conditions, delays recovery andactivate nerve cells that indicate pain and injury.

Traditional approaches to hemorrhoid relief have included medicatedpads, suppositories, and/or topical ointments. None of these productsaddresses the anatomical reasons for hemorrhoid discomfort. Hemorrhoidalsitting alters the anatomy of the anal area, and can worsen hemorrhoidsymptoms by exacerbating prolapse of internal and external hemorrhoids.When a patient or user exhibiting the symptoms of hemorrhoids takes asitting position, venous pressures increase, which can cause orexacerbate hemorrhoids.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pad forthe relief of discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide externalapplication of a spacer for the relief of pressure associated withswollen varicose anal veins.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide perianaltreatment post-operative or post-trauma.

It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a padfor application of therapeutic medications perianally.

It is another object of the present invention to selectively applypressure to perianal issue.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides relief of hemorrhoid discomfort by makinggentle beneficial alterations to the perianal, anal, and hemorrhoidalanatomy, as well as the anatomy of the surrounding tissue. Beneficialalterations to the anatomy include gentle separation of the glutealcheeks, external support of hemmorhoidal tissue with a cradling effecton inflamed or prolapsed or related perianal tissues, while providingabsorption. Alternatively, the present invention can include variouscontours and/or nubs to apply pressure in specific locations in,on-or-around the affected area to provide relief of pain or discomfortand/or manual reduction in prolapse or swelling.

The present invention is intended as a single-use disposable product,and may be sterile. It is preferably composed of malleable, absorbentmaterial, e.g. cotton, synthetic fibers, polymer, polyester, rayon,cellulose, viscose, wood, rubber, foam, fibers, blend of fibers, etc.The material may be flushable (as is known in the art), ornon-flushable. The present invention is not meant for internalizationinto the anorectal canal. The present design can allow for applicationof accepted hemorrhoidal medications for additive relief via impregnatedfoam body or body portions.

When an embodiment of the present invention is in use, it is preferablygently inserted between the separated gluteal cheeks providing improvedseparation and pressure adjustment. The pad surface interfaces with theexternal anal canal and is contoured to provide support with a pressurelevel chosen by the user based on positioning of the intergluteal pad inrelation to anatomy and any hemorrhoid(s). A trapezoidal cross sectionmay facilitate proper placement. The interface surface may includecavities or extensions to mate with hemorrhoid anatomies. The interfacesurface can act as a platform to hold accepted hemorrhoid topicalmedications. The device is intended to be worn between two and twelvehours.

In one alternative embodiment of the present invention, an interglutealspacing device allows selective pressure application and pressure reliefin and surrounding the anus. The device preferably includes an elongatedbody to fit within the intergluteal space with a dorsal (or posterior)end (i.e. positioned upwards for a standing individual) and a ventral(or anterior) end (i.e. facing downwards). It is preferred that at leasta part of the central portion of the device would be positioned indirect contact with, or opposite, the anus. The central portion mayinclude at least one cavity to provide the pressure relief over anaffected area, such as a prolapsed hemorrhoid, or the cavity can extendover the totality of the perianal. The central portion may have one,two, or more cavities to provide place specific pressure relief and/oradjustment in multiple areas. In one preferred embodiment, the devicemay be in the form of a trapezoid, with the narrow top fitting upagainst the perianal skin, while the wide bottom faces outward away fromthe perianal and serves to support gluteal cheek separation.Alternatively a rectangular shape, or a rounded or wedged shape, can beused. The end(s) may terminate in a beveled shape. The device mayalternatively include a convex top to provide ease and comfort to thewearer, the top being generally convex or flat with a portion, orportions, concave to provide a cavity or cavities. The concave sectionmay include a wrap-around concavity (including top and sides) coveringat least one hundred-eighty degrees of the midline to provide additionalpressure relief opposite the anus.

An adhesive may be used to affix the device onto the skin, so as toprevent movement, trauma, etc. Certain portion, or portions, of thedevice may include adhesive. In one embodiment, the ends are coveredwith adhesive. In some embodiments, the top surface includes portionswith adhesive applied, in other embodiments, adhesive may be set allaround device, or on sides interfacing with gluteal cheeks. In anotherembodiment, the anterior end is split in two, to provide adhesiveattachment near the perineum, or along the thighs, and the posterior endto be adhered between the gluteal cheeks, or conversely, or lackingadhesive.

In an alternative embodiment, the device may include one, or more, nubsarranged to selectively apply and/or relieve pressure on a section inand/or around said anus. The portion facing the skin may be textured toinclude an array, pattern, or individual nub or nubs. The nubs may beimpregnated with a therapeutic, or medicated, solution, such as a cream,ointment, or liquid.

The invention also contemplates a method for achieving comfort andrelief from pain or discomfort associated with the signs and symptoms ofhemorrhoids. The method includes applying an intergluteal spacer betweenthe gluteal cheeks, the top surface may include a cavity for relativepressure relief upon inflamed perianal tissue. The method may includethe step of adhering an adhesive to the skin to secure the spacer in aspecific effective location. The method may also include the step ofpositioning one or more nubs at a specific location to selectively applypressure upon, near, or opposite the inflamed or prolapsed tissue,and/or to restore normal anatomy. Applying pressure may includerepositioning of pressures, tissues, or alleviating pressure on nerves.Therapeutic solutions may be delivered and/or secured to the area and/orskin via the spacer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be further illustrated through a descriptionof certain embodiments.

FIG. 1A demonstrates a perspective view of a side of an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1B demonstrates a side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1C demonstrates an end view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2A demonstrates a side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 211 demonstrates a top view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2C demonstrates an end view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 demonstrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 demonstrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 demonstrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6A demonstrates a top view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6B demonstrates a side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7A demonstrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7B demonstrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7C demonstrates an end view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8A demonstrates a top view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8B demonstrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9A demonstrates a top view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9B demonstrates an end view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9C demonstrates a side view perspective of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10A demonstrates a side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10B demonstrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 demonstrates a lateral side perspective view of an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 12A demonstrates a top view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12B demonstrates a side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12C demonstrates a bottom end view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12D demonstrates a top end view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 demonstrates a lateral side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 14 demonstrates an end view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 demonstrates an end view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 demonstrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 17 demonstrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 18A demonstrates a top view of a cover of the present invention.

FIG. 18B demonstrates a side view of a cover of an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 demonstrates a top view of a cover of the present invention.

FIG. 20 demonstrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 21 demonstrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 22 demonstrates a top view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 23 demonstrates a cross-sectional view along the line 23-23 of FIG.22.

FIG. 24 demonstrates a cross-sectional view along the line 24-24 of FIG.22.

FIG. 25 demonstrates a top view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 26 demonstrates a cross-sectional view along the line 26-26 of FIG.25.

FIG. 27 demonstrates a cross-sectional view along the line 27-27 of FIG.25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention includes various shapes and features that may beapplied to a spacer pad that can be placed between the gluteal cheeksfor the relief of pressures and trauma associated with hemorrhoidsymptoms. The product may provide gentle separation of the glutealcheeks, and external support of hemmorhoidal tissue with a cradlingeffect on inflamed or prolapsed or related perianal tissues, whileproviding absorption and/or therapeutic solution(s). The product may beused as a post-surgical anoperineal dressing. The surface of the spacermay include at least a feature whereby pressure may be adjusted, orrelieved, such as a cavity or a concave portion. When applied to theskin or over a hemorrhoid, a cavity allows hemorrhoidal, or any selectperianal, tissue a low-pressure space to comfortably sit. Alternatively,a convex or flat surface on the device can provide counter-pressureagainst a prolapsed internal hemorrhoid or external hemorrhoid. In onepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the pad is made fromcotton blend, whereby the pad structure can be maintained in apredetermined form to maintain its fit while adapted to mate with theskin or a portion of the pad can conform to the body, while theremainder of pad retains its shape. The type of material preferred forthe invention is gentle enough to allow the pad to conform to aprolapsed or inflamed tissue, thereby providing support in its currentform. Products embodying the invention may include cellulose, or rayon,or other materials as described herein or as known in the art, withvaried structure, density, and hardness within the device. The gentleinvention structure can push up against inflamed, swollen, or prolapsedtissue, and support the shape of the tissue, reducing pressure on theanatomy. Inflamed exterior hemorrhoids may be similarly supported. Thepad is meant for short term relief and/or post-surgery relief. The padmay be placed temporarily, and replaced with a new pad when absorbentcapacity is reached.

Referring now to drawings of the preferred embodiments, FIGS. 1A-Cdemonstrates an embodiment of the present invention. Intergluteal pad 1has top 4 adapted to contact the human perianal and surrounding skinwithin the intergluteal space and along the skin surface. Bottom 5 isadapted for outwardly facing, i.e. away from the anus. Left side 8 andright side 9 provide additional optional surface area to contact withthe interior of the left and right gluteal cheeks. Intergluteal pad 1contains an anterior end 2 adapted for facing towards the perineum, andposterior end 3 adapted for facing towards the coccyx. The top maycontain features such as the pressure elements 6 and concave spaces 7which can provide for cavities 10. Top 4 may include an interactivesurface 11, which may include an adhesive to affix the pad in place,creams for therapeutic use, nubs, etc.

Therapeutic medications (solutions) may be impregnated into pressureelements, particularly when such elements are to be positioned toprovide pressure on, or for the manual reduction of, prolapsed,inflamed, or swollen tissue. Cavities may alternatively be coated withtopical medication to allow pressure-relieved prolapsed, inflamed, orswollen tissues to gently receive medication initially, and whenprolapsing exaggerates the size of prolapsed tissue or swelling.

Furthermore, the intergluteal pad is preferably comprised of a cottonblend. Alternatively, the pad is made from a firm foam, preferablypetroleum based or (synthetic) rubber. In one embodiment, the pad may beimpregnated with a liquid for the application of therapeutic treatments,such as pain relief, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, clottingagent, hemostatic lubricant, anti-biotic ointment, topical skinprotectants, such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, salicylic acid, urea,and vitamins, etc., and barriers, etc. The invention may be used totreat damaged tissue in the perianal area, or used for post-operativetreatment. After surgery, the invention may be used to secure, support,or treat damaged/healing tissues, or may be used as a means forpost-operative manipulation of part or all of the perianal tissues. Theinvention can be used to treat or support tissue with stitches, such aspost episiotomy, or used post child-birth. The invention may be used totreat damage, trauma, swelling or irritation caused by Crohn's disease,perianal fistula, or any fissure or abscess. The invention may be usedto treat any perianal diseased state or perianal tissues.

When adhesives are used in this embodiments or others, common mildadhesives known in the art are contemplated as best mode for thetemporary affixing of a product to human skin, preferably an adhesivemore mild than a typical bandage.

Cavity 10 may include sidewall 12, which may be flat, and may be formedat a right angle from surface 11. Cavity defines a specific volume ofspace for controlled pressure adjustment, being further defined bycavity base 13. In this embodiment, sides of cavity 10 remain open toallow the user's gluteal cheeks to enclose the cavity space so toprovide relaxed pressure relief to an anal area opposite the cavity base13.

Intergluteal pad 1 may also include sides 8 and 9 with alternatingangles to better provide for fit and/or comfort when applied. Whilehemorrhoids can come in any position three hundred-sixty degreessurrounding the perianal, most common hemorrhoids are left lateral,right anterior and right posterior. In the embodiment in FIGS. 1A-C,left side 8 meets top 4 surface 11 at a right angle, while right side 9meets top 4 at an obtuse angle 15. Acute angle 16 joins bottom 5 withside 9, and preferably complements obtuse angle 15 to form a completeone hundred-eighty degrees (combined). Preferably the angle isapproximately one hundred thirty-five degrees, but may vary from ninetyto one hundred-fifty degrees. In this instance, top 4 is narrow whilebottom 5 is wider, to provide for ease of fit and better form fitbetween the gluteal cheeks. Partial cross-section is demonstrated asseen in side view 1C, demonstrating semi-trapezoidal shape.Substantially trapezoidal shape contemplates either sharp exterior edges110 (as shown) or rounded edges that retain the angle of interface asbetween the sides/tops/bottom. Depending on specific patient condition,intergluteal pad 1 can be flipped one hundred-eighty degrees side-sideto make the anterior end posterior and posterior end anterior, whilemaintaining top in body-facing position.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-C, an alternative embodiment of theintergluteal pad 1 includes a trapezoidal shape. As seen in FIG. 2C, thepad includes a trapezoidal shape, whereby top 4 leads to sides 8 and 9at a substantially identical obtuse angle 15, and sides meet base 5 at asubstantially identical acute angle 16. (For the purposes of thisspecification substantially and substantially identical means+/−5degrees). Preferably obtuse and acute angles 15 and 16 add up to onehundred-eighty degrees, and preferably obtuse angle is between onehundred and one hundred-forty degrees, most preferably one hundred-tendegrees, and acute angles make up the difference to one hundred-eightydegrees. In this manner, the symmetric shape of the pad allows foradjustment, whereby posterior end 3 may be positioned wither posterioror anterior, allowing the pad to be rotated freely. When top 4 includesvaried features (described below FIGS. 3-5, etc.), the product can beadjusted as necessary. To provide additional adaptation to the anatomiesof the intergluteal area, posterior end 3 and anterior end 2, may alsoinclude a gradual obtuse angle off of top 4. This allows for a moregradual pressure at the ends of the pad when applied and used,especially when the user is sitting down or the gluteal cheeks areotherwise under pressure or alternatively, separated. Adhesives may alsobe included on sides, such as sides 8 and 9 to secure pad 1 in placeagainst skin of gluteal cheeks.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, top 4 may include varied features for thepreferential and optional positioning of varied pressure adjustingfeatures for application to the hemorrhoidal areas. As seen in FIG. 3,top 4 may include pressure elements 6 in a non-symmetrical fashion.Certain cavities 70 may have varied sizes and/or shapes. For instancelarge cavity 71 is notably larger (by means of lengthening between ends2 and 3) to provide additional pressure relief to the perianal anterior.Feature 6A may be positioned over a portion of, or the totality of theanus. Feature 61, or any pressure feature 60, 61, 62, 63 et al., mayinclude a varied material that provides extra absorption to collectdischarged blood, liquid, and/or to provide selective application ofpre-impregnated therapeutic solution. Cavity 72 may be positioned aboveposterior side of the anus, or over specific hemorrhoidal bulges. Thedevice, as always, can be flipped, based on the condition and/orpreference of the user.

As seen in FIG. 4, top 4 may include central cavity 73 rounded to betterfit the features of the anatomy. In this instance, cavity 73 can besized for adaptation over the center of the anus, toaccommodate/cradle/support bulging of internal prolapsed hemorrhoids.When central cavity 73 is smaller than external hemorrhoids, pressureelements 62 may be positioned over the external hemorrhoids to providepressure on external hemorrhoidal plexus and/or against the sphinctermuscle, and to prevent varicosities from expanding laterally beyond theperianal, or protect any prolapse or swelling tissues from trauma.Further cavities 1700 may be provided to allow other hernias or externalhemorrhoidal or prolapses space for pressure relief. Alternatively,cavities 170 provide for more flexibility of pressure elements 62 tomigrate/bend as needed or forced by the geometry of the area.

As seen in FIG. 5, vertical pressure element 63 can be provided on oneside of intergluteal pad 1 to specifically target non-symmetrical, (e.g.left lateral) hemorrhoids that may appear on one side or the other.Concave space 7 provides for pressure relief and to allow additionalpressure contact of pressure element 63. Given the symmetrical shape ofsides 8 and 9 and ends 2 and 3, the added benefit contained in thisembodiment is the ability to flip the product so as to position thepressure element 63 on either side, as needed. When flipped, posteriorend 3 is positioned anteriorly and anterior end 2 is positionedposteriorly.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-B, an alternative embodiment is shown.Intergluteal pad 101 includes body 125 for insertion over the perianal.Contact surface 124 on top 104 may contact the anus, externalhemorrhoidal plexus and/or prolapsed hemorrhoids or other herniaexternal of the patient's body. As seen in FIG. 6B, body may includewedge shape 123 opposite wide base 113 to allow for more comfortable fitbetween the gluteal cheeks, and well as to provide directed pressure tothe perianal. Body 125 meets necks 122 via slopes 127. Slopes allow foradditional space between necks 122 and the patient's skin. On anteriorend, necks may be preferably bifurcated, terminating in preferably twoheads 120. Heads 120 may be affixed to either side of the genitaliaand/or the inner thigh of the patient. Heads 120 preferably includeadhering surface 126 to affix to the patient and keep the product inplace. Adhering surface 126 preferably includes an adhesive to hold pad101 to patient's skin. Posterior end 103 includes posterior end 121,attached to body 125 via neck 122. Posterior head 121 may be affixedbetween the gluteal cheeks to further secure pad 121. Pad 101 may beflipped, whereby bifurcated neck pads 126 affix to gluteal cheeks,and/or device may include a single neck on either side, or dual necks onboth sides.

Preferably, when handle 99 is used in conjunction with the embodimentshown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, handle is positioned at the bottom towardsposterior end 103, as shown. Handle 99 is preferably a soft flexiblestring, such as cotton, synthetic fiber, plastic, etc. However, handlemay be affixed to head 121, or heads 120, or otherwise mounted at bottomnear anterior end 102.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-C, intergluteal pad 1 may include flat and convextop 4, absent of any lowered or raised features such as concave spaces,cavities, or nubs. Pad maintains a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape,and may include a set shape through, or may taper on one or more ends(retaining scaled trapezoidal cross section). Ends 2 and 3 may be flat(meeting at ninety degrees with top 4 and bottom 5) or may be beveledextending from top 4 with an obtuse angle and meeting bottom 5 at acuteangle. Pad 1 may include one or more adhesive 18 to contact patientskin. It is preferable to include adhesive 18 on top 4, towards ends 2and 3. Adhesives 18 can be applied along intergluteal space onalternative sides of patient anus.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-B, intergluteal pad 201 may include body 225 withcavity 210. Cavity 210 is defined by border of pressure element 206along top 204. Preferably, pressure element 206 is sized to surround theanal opening and apply pressure around the external hemorrhoidal plexus,and/or support recessed cavity 210. Body 225 extends to posterior end203 via posterior post 230, whereby post is adapted to fit betweengluteal cheeks. Anterior end 202 includes anterior post 221 to fitventrally. Posts 230 and 231 may preferably include surface adhesive toaffix pad to patient's skin. Adhesive may also or alternatively beapplied along pressure element 206. Cavity 210 may include ridges 216 toprovide a variegated surface structure. Extending sides 232 provide fora shape that extends wider than posts 230 and 231, to surround featuresof patient's perianal.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-C, intergluteal pad 301 includes an alternativewishbone shape with wraparound concavity 343 along the center portion ofbody 325. FIG. 9A includes broken lines to denote contour. Sides 308 and309 include sloping sides 334 and flat sides 335 providing a shapeviewed along the side as shown in FIG. 9B.

FIGS. 10A and 10B, demonstrate an intergluteal pad 1 with alternativeconcave section 7 that is rounded to provide gradual pressure relief andremove harsh edges.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12A-D, intergluteal pad 1 may include a shapewith narrow ends whereby anterior end 2 includes bow 40 and posteriorend 3 includes stern 41. Bow 40 narrows to bow edge 42 to make insertionand positioning easier in light of the geometry of the perianal andperineum region. Flat sides 35 may curve to provide appropriate shape topad 1. As shown in FIG. 12B, concave space is defined by base 13 andwalls 12. Walls 12 may be angled off of ninety degrees to provide for asmoother feel.

Referring to FIGS. 13-17, intergluteal pad 1 may come in varied formsand shapes, such as rectangular (FIGS. 14 and 16) and trapezoidal (FIGS.15 and 17).

As shown in FIG. 13, intergluteal pad 1 (such as that shown in previousfigures) may include various zones for the inclusion of impregnatedtherapeutic solutions along a top or portion intended to interface withthe perianal area. Top section 91 may include all or most of the topsurface for impregnation of a therapeutic solution around the coddledtissue, or may include anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. Topsection 91 may also include impregnated mild adhesives to secure theproduct in place. Top section 91 may include corners 92, or otherconcentrated sections, such as at an inflection point, that may alsoprovide zones for impregnated therapeutic solutions or adhesives. Forinstance impregnation may be applied in cavities, such as cavity surfacezone 93. Cavity surface zone 93 may include lining which is impregnatedwith therapeutic solution, particularly when the cavity is placed overswollen or prolapsed tissue to provide steroidal or non-steroidalrelief. As such, any portion 91, 92 or 93 can also include a variety ofsimilar or dissimilar medications, such as therapeutic solutions, suchas pain relief or any solution as described above.

As shown in FIG. 14, backplate 95 may be included in intergluteal pad 1to provide for support of the pad. Backplate 95 may be made from astiffer material than the remainder of the pad in order to retain theshape when placed intergluteally. Material for backplate may include ametal, hard plastic, rubberized material, cellulose, or otherwise stiffmaterial known in the art. As shown in FIG. 15, backplate 95 may bepaired with a standard material zone 96, whereby the standard materialzone provide further support to the pad, but not at the expense of thetop region for contact with the patients perianal regions orimpregnation of solutions. Preferably, back plate is less susceptible tomigration of liquids and creams, and more preferably provides a barrierto solutions passing through top section and through lower sectioncovered by backplate. Zone 96 can also be made from a material thatprevents impregnated solutions from migrating too far from the top ofthe pad, such as a hydrophobic material. Pad 1 may also include aninternal matrix/skeleton (not shown) to provide support for the shape ofpad 1 when used as a spacer. The matrix may be made of a differentmaterial than the pad, one more firm/stiff than cotton, such as plastic,metal, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, pad 1 may include access handle 99, such asa string affixed to ends 2 or 3. Handle 99 allows for easier removal ofthe pad when emplaced on a user and in need of replacement or removal.Handle 99 may be placed on one or both ends. When the product issymmetric, and the user may determine the most convenient location forthe single handle and place it anteriorly or posteriorly. Handle 99 ispreferably a cotton string mounted or secured within pad 99 to allowlongitudinal and lateral pulling on the handle to exert a force on pad 1to remove from user. Mounting of handle may be secure enough to overcomeadhesive application, in order to remove the pad.

FIGS. 18A-B and 19 demonstrate alternative top surface features and analternative embodiment of the present invention as may be used with avariety of spacer and pad shapes as features on top 4 (as shown above).Roof 400 may include top 451 defined within edges 452. Top 451 providesnodes 450 which act as bosses, or nubs, to apply pressure in specificareas. Nodes 450 may be arranged in an array 456 to provide regularsurface pressure features. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19, nubs 450may include large nubs 454 and small nubs 455 to provide alternatepressures. The center 401 preferably includes larger nubs 454 whilesmaller nubs 455 provide a less pronounced surface towards sides 402. Asseen in FIG. 18B, roof 400 may be a thin plane with adhesive plane 457directly below and opposite nubs 450 on top 451. Roof 400 is to beapplied to intergluteal pad (not shown) via adhesive plane 457 toprovide a specific pressure surface to the intergluteal pad device. Inthe alternative, roof 400 may be used directly as a pad to provideselective surface features and pressures and pressure relief. When roof400 is used in isolation of greater pad as a sort of thinner product,roof 400 is bent in half (with nubs exposed outwardly), and fittedbetween the gluteal cheeks and perianal. Nubs 450, particularly nubsaround outside perimeter, may include surface adhesive to secure roof400 in place. Nubs, preferably at least one of the larger nubs 454 mayencapsulate, or be impregnated with a therapeutic solution for selectiveapplication. Nubs may alternatively include a stiff material to helpapply pressure or effect manual reduction in prolapse or swollen tissue.Stiff material herein may include a more dense material, or analternative material.

FIGS. 20 and 21 demonstrate various embodiments of pad 1 that arefurther detailed in FIGS. 22-24 and FIGS. 25-27 respectively. As shownin FIG. 22, pad 501 includes ends 502 and 503, and sides 508 and 509.Side edges 520 form edge of top 504. Gently sloping concave sections 507feature on top 504. Pressure elements 506 rise at the ends and pressurefeature 560 is centered and includes a full three hundred-sixty degreemound. Concave sections 507 include cavities 510 falling on slopingsides 534 and base 513. As seen along cross section 23-23 of FIG. 22,FIG. 23 represents a cross-section of FIG. 22. Pressure feature 560 isdemonstrated as a mound in profile. Lateral sides 535 and 536 slope frompeak 561 to edge 520 at sides 508 and 509. As seen along cross section24-24 of FIG. 22, FIG. 24 represents a cross-section of FIG. 22. Centermound pressure feature 560 slopes down sides 534 to cavity base 513between ends 502 and 503. Between center pressure feature 560 and endpressure elements 506, cavities 510 form with base 513 at the bottom.

As shown in FIG. 25, pad 501 includes ends 502 and 503, and sides 508and 509. Gently sloping concave section 507 features on top 504.Pressure elements 560 rise at either side of central cavity 510. Top 504is rimmed by edges 520. Ends have partial cavities 517. As seen alongcross section 26-26 of FIG. 25, FIG. 26 represents a cross-section ofFIG. 25. Center cavity 510 includes base 513 and sloping lateral sides535 and 536 to edges 520 at sides 508 and 509. As seen along crosssection 27-27 of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 represents a cross-section of FIG. 25.Center cavity 510 includes base 513 and sides 512. Separate mounds, orpressure features 560, reside on either end of cavity 510. Pressureelements 560 include outer sides 522 sloping towards ends 502 and 503.Ends also include concave sections 507 with partial cavities 540.

I claim:
 1. An intergluteal spacing device adapted for perianalpositioning, said device comprising: a. an elongated body comprising ananterior end and a posterior end, and further comprising a centralportion between said anterior end and said posterior end; whereby saidcentral portion is adapted to position over at least a part of a userperianal area; b. elongated body comprising a generally trapezoidalcross-sectional shape, said trapezoidal cross-section comprising a widebottom and a narrow top, said wide bottom defining a lower plane andsaid narrow top comprising an upper plane, whereby said lower plane andsaid upper plane are substantially parallel.
 2. The intergluteal spacingdevice of claim 1, whereby the narrow top comprises a central portioncomprising at least one concave portion, oriented opposite at least aportion of the perianal area, providing at least one cavity for theadjustment of pressure in and/or around the anus and/or externalhemorrhoidal plexus.
 3. The intergluteal spacing device of claim 2,further comprising at least a second concave portion between saidanterior end and said posterior end.
 4. The intergluteal spacing deviceof claim 1, further comprising a top surface at said narrow top; and anadhesive applied to at least one portion of said top surface forselectively positioning and securing said device.
 5. The interglutealspacing device of claim 1, whereby said central portion comprises anextending convex wedge.
 6. The intergluteal spacing device of claim 1,further comprising at least one nub arranged to selectively applypressure on at least a portion of the perianal area.
 7. The interglutealspacing device of claim 1, further comprising at least one therapeuticsolution.
 8. The intergluteal spacing device of claim 7, whereby saidtherapeutic solution is impregnated within a top section of saidintergluteal spacer.
 9. The intergluteal spacing device of claim 8wherein said therapeutic solution is impregnated at an inflection pointalong said top section.
 10. The intergluteal spacing device of claim 8further comprising a backplate.
 11. The intergluteal spacing device ofclaim 10 further comprising a central standard material zone betweensaid backplate and said top section.
 12. The intergluteal spacing deviceof claim 1 further comprising a handle attached at at least one end. 13.A method for treating the symptoms associated with hemorrhoids,comprising the steps of: a. applying an intergluteal spacer between thegluteal cheeks, whereby the spacer provides at least one cavity; and b.positioning the spacer cavity over a portion of the perianal to adjustpressure exerted upon perianal tissue.
 14. The method of claim 13,further comprising the step of adhering an adhesive to skin to securethe spacer in a specific location.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherebythe spacer further provides at least one nub, and further comprising thestep of position the spacer nub over a portion of perianal tissue toapply selective pressure upon the tissue.
 16. The method of claim 13,further comprising the step of selectively applying a therapeuticsolution via the spacer.
 17. An intergluteal device for selectivelyapplying and relieving pressure perianally, said device comprising: a. aflexible surface comprising at least one nub to apply pressure toselected perianal tissue; and b. at least one cavity for selectiveapplication of pressure relief.
 18. The intergluteal device of claim 17further comprising an outside perimeter, said outside perimetercomprising at least one adhesive affixed to at least a portion of saidoutside perimeter.
 19. The intergluteal device of claim 17, wherein saidat least one nub is impregnated with a therapeutic solution.